Messages

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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Print file to CAD/Gcode

« on: December 04, 2012, 08:01:38 AM »

Rich

Thanks for the reply. Backplotting is not what I am trying to do, I know NCplot will backplot a Gcode. Here is an example of what I am trying to accomplish. Take a catalog of picture frame mouldings with various profiles and import the profile data into CAD in order to create a Gcode. I figure if a printer can print the catalog then there must be a way to import the printer coordinates into CAD.

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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Print file to CAD/Gcode

« on: December 04, 2012, 06:23:23 AM »

I have this crazy idea in my head but I am not the most computer savvy person so I figured might as well ask on here to see if this is even possible. I would like to find out if it is possible to intercept a file being sent to a printer and be able to translate the file back into CAD. I am thinking that the information being sent to the printer is similar to a Gcode so the printer knows where to place the ink and feed the paper while a document is being printed. I know this part would be a stretch but would it be possible that when a different color ink is called for that could translate to a new layer in CAD. Any thoughts or ideas?

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Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: August 28, 2012, 09:57:32 PM »

Hi everybody,

I am new to the world of CNC but after seeing numerous Youtube videos on the subject I knew I had to give it a shot. I ordered plans from David Steele and built my own router table. I have been able to play with it a little bit using LazyCam to write the code but I am trying to find a book or website so that I understand the code. I have a bunch of questions and I am sure reading and searching the forum will answer but hopefully I will have better luck just posting them here. Is there a way to break up a long code? I used V-Carve to model a sign and create the code but when I use Mach's estimated run time function it is over 22 hours. I know I can do a little more tweaking and adjust the feed rate higher but I was wondering if there is a way to split the code into 3 or 4 hour intervals. The next question is I have my machine set to use inches but I have some parts that need to be cut and they were drawn in millimeters, do I need to reconfigure the machine or is there an easy way to go from inch to mm?

@ Ice CNC  If you click on the configuration tab at the top of the Mach screen and go to motor tuning you can adjust your steps per inch there.